Director Peter Jackson announced on Facebook that Humphries will play the role of the Goblin King.

"Barry is perhaps best known for his business and social connections as the long-time manager of Dame Edna Everage. He has also been an ardent supporter of the rather misunderstood and unfairly maligned Australian politician, Sir Les Patterson," Jackson said referring to Humphries' alter egos Dame Edna Everage, a Melbourne housewife and Sir Les Patterson, a politically incorrect cultural attache.

"However, in his spare time, Barry is also a fine actor, and we're looking forward to seeing him invest the Goblin King with the delicate sensitivity and emotional depth this character deserves," Jackson wrote.

Not just Freeman as Bilbo, but you can also see a few of the Dwarves in the background. And there are two other pics, one of McKellen as Gandalf and another with Jackson and Freeman together on the set.

Let people bitch and complain. I'm giddy with excitement at any bit of news.

As for casting choices, if this were your generic Hollywood weasel I might be worried. But I have faith in PJ's decisions.

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Amen and amen. The success of the LOTR films, both financial and critical, and the sheer devotion from the fanbase to said films are proof enough that Jackson's instincts merit that faith. Sure he has and he will make mistakes, but until the completed films are released and we see otherwise there's hardly any reason for worry.